[pct-l] Dehydrated v freezedried

[Austin Williams]

Freeze dried tends to have a better texture when rehydrated than dehydrated
food does (not always true... but good rule of thumb).

The shelf life of freeze dried is *much* longer than dehydrated food.

Freeze dried is much less likely to rot, mold, etc (kind of goes along with
shelf-life comment)

It's easier (doesn't require time to dry, package, etc).

Comes in it's own bag to cook in (which is actually really nice).

Freeze dried food in a factory-sealed package is much less likely to attract
wildlife (especially mice).

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Dehydrated food is much cheaper (assuming you dehydrate it yourself... if
you buy it already dehydrated it's not a whole lot cheaper).

Dehydrating your own food lets you be creative and make your own meals (if
you're good at that kind of thing).

Dehydrating your own food gives you something to do in the months before
your hike.

Dehydrated food tends to have more... "girth" than freeze dried food.
There's a bit more there for your teeth to grab onto.

Dehydrated food doesn't require space-aged technology - which some hiker's
feel makes it more "pure" and thus superior to freeze dried food.

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In the end, I say don't choose one over the other.  Mix it up. The number
one rule for a thru-hike menu is *VARIETY*!  Variety in flavor, texture,
everything.  Keep the meals exciting, and your spirits will stay high.  I
promise.

Just my two cents.